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Leviticus 8:17 - Purification beyond the camp

Leviticus 8:17 - ויקרא 8:17

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הַפָּר וְאֶת־עֹרוֹ וְאֶת־בְּשָׂרוֹ וְאֶת־פִּרְשׁוֹ שָׂרַף בָּאֵשׁ מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

But the bullock, and its hide, its flesh, and its dung, he burnt with fire outside the camp; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Ve'et hapar ve'et oro ve'et besaro ve'et pirsho saraf ba'esh michutz lamachane ka'asher tzivah Adonai et Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הַפָּ֤ר וְאֶת־עֹרוֹ֙ וְאֶת־בְּשָׂר֣וֹ וְאֶת־פִּרְשׁ֔וֹ שָׂרַ֣ף בָּאֵ֔שׁ מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וְאֶת־הַפָּ֤ר וְאֶת־עֹרוֹ֙ וְאֶת־בְּשָׂר֣וֹ וְאֶת־פִּרְשׁ֔וֹ שָׂרַ֣ף בָּאֵ֔שׁ מִח֖וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 29:14) describes the procedure for burning the remains of the chatat (sin offering) bull outside the camp during the consecration of the Kohanim. The Torah emphasizes that this was done exactly as Hashem commanded Moshe, highlighting the importance of precise adherence to divine instructions in the sacrificial service.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the burning of the bull's remains outside the camp serves as a symbolic act of removing sin and impurity from the midst of Bnei Yisrael. The phrase "as the Lord commanded Moshe" reinforces that even seemingly minor details of the sacrificial service must be performed with exactitude, as they carry deep spiritual significance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:46), Rambam explains that the burning of the sin offering outside the camp serves as a powerful visual lesson about the gravity of sin. By observing the complete destruction of the offering, the people internalize the idea that sin must be utterly eradicated from their midst.

Symbolism in the Details

  • The Bull: Represents the complete atonement needed for communal sins (Vayikra Rabba 7:3).
  • Burning Outside the Camp: Demonstrates that sin must be removed from the community's sacred space (Talmud Yoma 68a).
  • All Parts Burned: Signifies that every aspect of the transgression must be addressed (Zohar, Vayikra).

Halachic Implications

The Mishnah (Zevachim 12:5) derives from this verse that certain sacrifices must be burned in a specific location outside the camp (later the Temple Mount). This teaches that even in the physical act of sacrifice, there are designated sacred spaces that reflect spiritual realities.

Contemporary Lesson

The Sefat Emet explains that while we no longer bring sacrifices, the principle remains: we must actively remove negative influences from our personal "camps" (homes and communities) just as the Torah commands us to remove the remains of the sin offering.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 68a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the burning of the bullock outside the camp as part of the Yom Kippur service.
📖 Zevachim 103b
The verse is cited in the context of the laws regarding the burning of sacrificial remains outside the camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the bullock burned outside the camp in Leviticus 8:17?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 67b), the burning of the bullock outside the camp symbolizes the removal of impurity and sin from the community. This teaches us that certain spiritual impurities must be completely separated from holy spaces.
Q: What is the significance of burning the entire bullock in Leviticus 8:17?
A: The Rambam explains in the Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos) that burning the entire bullock—including its hide, flesh, and dung—demonstrates total dedication to fulfilling Hashem's command without reservation, teaching us the importance of complete obedience in divine service.
Q: How does Leviticus 8:17 apply to us today without the Temple?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) teaches that while we no longer bring sacrifices, the principle of removing spiritual 'impurities' from our lives remains relevant. Just as the bullock was taken outside the camp, we must distance ourselves from negative influences and strive for holiness in our daily actions.
Q: Why does the verse emphasize 'as Hashem commanded Moshe'?
A: Rashi notes that this phrase highlights the precision required in fulfilling mitzvos. Even details like burning the bullock outside the camp were done exactly as instructed, teaching us the importance of adhering strictly to Torah commandments.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the burning of the bullock's dung in Leviticus 8:17?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 11a) derives from this that even the least honorable parts of the sacrifice were treated with reverence when serving Hashem. This teaches us that every aspect of divine service—no matter how seemingly insignificant—has value and should be approached with seriousness.